Greek Mythology

Jason - Ο Ιάσονας

In English

In the city of Iolkos (Ιωλκός) and its surrounding territory,
Kritheas (Κρηθέας) was king.
He was the brother of Athamantas (Αθάμαντας), king of Viotia (Βοιωτία).
His kingdom was very wealthy and strong and, because
of its location by the sea, was controlling most of the import business.
When Kritheas died, Pelias (Πελίας), who was Kritheas' brother by
another father, took the throne from Aesonas (Αίσονας), who was Kritheas' son.
Aesonas had a son and feared that Pelias would kill him since he was
the real heir to the throne. He told everyone that the baby died
and gave him to the wise centaur Heronas (Χείρωνας) to raise him.
Heronas named the boy Jason (Ιάσονας) and taught him everything he knew.

Jason grew to be a strong and very handsome man. He knew how to handle
the sword very well. When he was twenty
he learned of his heritage and decided to go to Iolkos to take back the throne,
that was rightfully his.
Years ago the Oracle told Pelias:
"Be afraid of the Monosandalos (μονοσάνταλος = wearing one sandal).
The monosandalos will kill you".

Jason arrived at Iolkos wearing only one sandal.
He went to the palace to see Pelias. When Pelias saw him, he froze!
But shrewd as he was, told Jason he could have the throne if he would
go and bring back the golden fleece from Kolhida (Κολχίδα).
Frixos had gone to Kolhida with a ram that had α golden fleece.
"The Gods are asking for this fleece. Bring it back and you will have the throne." said Pelias.
Jason agreed and thus the expedition began.

Words you Need to Learn

Capital letters is where the word is accented.ee or i is pronounced as the ee in word beet.e as the e in the word bet.a as the a in the word father.o as the o in the word only.ou as the ou in the word Lou.x as the x in the word fox.th or th like the th in think.th or th like the th in this.
(underline)
Where you see a " y " or a (red) " g " in the phonetics for that
word, that " g " is
pronounced like the y in yes, or
like the w in wad